On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Ephrata Mayor Steve Oliver sits down with reporter Nance Beston to discuss how is first months in office - the transition from the campaign trail to the day-to-day realities of governing, the surprises, the learning curves and the opportunities ahead for Ephrata.

We begin with Oliver's adjustment into the mayor's seat: what the shift from campaigning to governing has really looked like, the moments that made the role feel real and the rewards and challenges of stepping into city leadership. He shares an inside look at how expectations have matched (or sometimes differed from) the reality of running a city.

We also explore his leadership style and approach to collaboration - from building relationships with councilmembers and city staff to staying visible and accessible to the community. Oliver discusses what he has learned about the city and himself during these early months and outlines new ways he hopes to involve residents in conversations.

Oliver also reflected on the tone of the campaign season and steps he took early on in his term to address concerns and clear the air with staff and council. He talks about what he has learned from that period and what he wants residents to understand about how he has moved forward.

To close, Oliver shares what he is most excited about in the months ahead: the work behind the scenes, the direction he hopes the city is heading a year from now, and the message he wants to send to the people of Ephrata as he continues settling into the role.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Columbia Basin Foundation Executive Director Corinne Isaak stopped by to chat with Managing Editor R. Hans “Rob” Miller about a fundraiser for one of CBF’s community partners, His Helping Hands. The nonprofit recently took over a portion of the former Grant County Journal office and is providing services to those in need at the site. Some of the remodeling still needs to be completed and Isaak and her team at CBF are trying to raise the last $28,000 needed during the 28 days of February.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter and Producer Nance Beston sat down with Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray to discuss the Feb. 2026 bond proposal. The $75 million bond measure would replace Grant Elementary and Parkway Intermediate and begin renovations on Ephrata High School. Murray shared the work that went into the proposal and the reasons why the bond was brought to voters - including a lack of space, aging buildings and building new tends to be cheaper than renovation.

Ballots for the election are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 10. Ballots must be post-stamped on or before Feb. 10 to be counted. It is recommended voters visit a local post office to get a postmark or dropping them off in a ballot drop box.

Further information about the measure can be found at TigersVote.org or by calling the district at 509-754-2474.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston invited Moses Lake School District Superintendent Carol Lewis onto the podcast to discuss promises the district has made to the community in regards to finances and levy spending. This is a follow-up to the Columbia Basin Herald article titled: "MLSD's Lewis addresses levy promises, elementary start time," which can be read at: bit.ly/1025MLSD

Beston and Lewis discuss the history of mistrust surrounding the MLSD and what the district is doing to rebuild that trust.

Lewis discusses the ongoing conflict regarding elementary start times. The elementary schools are starting at 9:30 a.m. instead of 9:00 a.m. because of the budget shortfall and double levy failure that happened in the 2023-24 school year. The district had to take cost-cutting measures to pass a balanced budget, with plans of reinstating the start time by the 2026-27 school year.

To learn more about what MLSD is planning for the future of the district, from a leader of the district, listen to this week's episode.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter and Producer Nance Beston sat down with Moses Lake School Board President Kirryn Jensen, Vice-President Paul Hill, and MLSD Director of Communications Ryan Shannon. The group discussed how a school board operates, common misconceptions in the community, and the challenges and successes they’ve experienced while serving. They also shared advice for those interested in pursuing a school board role. All three emphasized the importance of community involvement, encouraging residents to attend school board meetings and participate in local events.

The MLSD Board will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. in the School Board Room at 940 E. Yonezawa Blvd, Moses Lake, WA 98837.

Next Week:
The STUDIO BASIN Podcast will feature Ephrata School District Superintendent Ken Murray, who will discuss the district’s proposed $75 million, 25-year school construction bond.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Senior Reporter Cheryl Schweizer sits down with Moses Lake Mayor Dustin Swartz to discuss ongoing city projects, current goals, and local water rights issues. Swartz begins by outlining the structure of Moses Lake’s city government and clarifying the responsibilities of the mayor’s position. He then provides a brief update on the Hansen Road Overpass closure before diving into a detailed discussion on water rights in Mae Valley and the greater Moses Lake area. The conversation also highlights collaboration efforts with the Moses Lake School District and other public entities. The episode wraps up with a look at future development plans and infrastructure improvements.

Next Week:
The STUDIO BASIN Podcast will feature Moses Lake School District Board President Kirryn Jensen and Vice-President Paul Hill. They’ll discuss the role of a school board, its responsibilities, and how the district works through challenges.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Managing Editor R. Hans Miller, along with reporters Nance Beston, Mike Maynard and Caleb Perez discussed New Year's plans and traditions. Miller is taking it easy with plans to fish and spend time with his wife. Maynard shares a story about scaring the demons away into the new year. Beston talks about passing grapes under the table. Perez plans to spend time with his nephews to ring in the new year.

Spoiler Warning: Stranger Things season 5 spoilers included, as three of four journalists plan on watching the season finale on New Year's Eve.

The STUDIO BASIN Podcast wants to thank all of the listeners in the year 2025. We will be back next year with more news, sports and everything Columbia Basin.

On this episode of the STUDIO BASIN Podcast, Reporter Nance Beston and Editor R. Hans Miller discussed the conflicts at the Moses Lake School District, including the budget shortfall, recent teacher contract and financial plans for the future.

The two discussed what led up to the teachers strike, the strike itself and the new three-year teacher contract.

Sports reporter Mike Maynard gave updates on Royals' State Football Championship, Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School basketball and Quincy Jacks basketball.